My eyes widened, the tiny candlelight flickering across the strange glowing tab hovering right in front of me. I blinked twice, rubbed my eyes, then blinked again.
It didn't vanish.
"...What the hell?" I whispered, leaning in cautiously. The screen shimmered, then a cheerful, soft, almost chibi-like voice rang in my head.
[Ding! Welcome, Host! This is your adorable guide — SuSu, the Supermarket System!]
I almost fell backwards. "Su…Su? You… you can talk?"
[Of course! A cute system like me is not just for decoration, okay?] The voice sounded smug and sweet at the same time. [Congratulations on unlocking me. You, Host, have been given a very special role in this world.]
My brows furrowed. "Special role? I'm just a widow with three kids and no money. What role could I possibly—"
[Pfft! You are not just anything, Host. You are the official Owner of SuSu's Supermarket — a cross-world store stocked with all sorts of goods. Food, clothes, tools, seeds, medicines, luxury items… if you can think of it, SuSu can get it!]
My jaw dropped. "Wait… you mean… I can buy anything I want from you?"
[Yes~]
My eyes lit up. "For free?!"
[No~]
"…I knew it was too good to be true," I muttered, crossing my arms.
[The rules are simple, Host. You have full access to SuSu's Supermarket, but every item must be paid for with real money from this world. No money, no goods. Also, prices may change depending on supply and demand in your current location.]
I groaned. "So basically, I still need to hustle before I can buy anything."
[Exactly. But that's not all!] SuSu's voice grew more mischievous. [I also have two very special tabs: the Story Spoiler Tab and the Character Explanation Tab.]
I blinked. "Story spoiler? As in… I can know the future?"
[Correct. The Story Spoiler Tab allows you to peek into the upcoming events of this world — major plots, turning points, even disasters — but the price depends on how big the event is. The more influential the moment, the more expensive the spoiler.]
Now that I remember I knew nothing much about the story. Apart from Lin Xu and her families condition, nothing else. I don't even know how the male lead looks like with.
I only watched two episodes before going on ahead to spoil it for myself so knowing some main and minor plots may be a problem.
Thank goodness I have a system, now I can survive well.
"Truly good, this would be quite helpful."
[Smart Host! And the Character Explanation Tab gives you information about any character here — their personality, hidden secrets, future role… but again, the price varies depending on their importance. Minor villager? Cheap. The Emperor? Hoo boy, you'll need a mountain of silver.]
My heart started to race. "So, in short… you're telling me I can cheat my way through this world… if I can pay."
[Cheat is such an ugly word. Let's call it… strategic survival.]
I sat back, my mind buzzing. "So, what's stopping me from spoiling the whole story right now?"
[Two things. One, you don't have enough money. Two, I'm adorable, not stupid — SuSu will never give away everything at once. You must progress through your own choices.]
I rolled my eyes. "Figures. So what exactly is my role here, then?"
[Host, your role is to survive and thrive — and perhaps… change the chacater's fate. This world already has its own flow, but with SuSu's help, you can twist, bend, or completely break it. The main host died poorly so you must make sure you take do these three things before you have full control over your life.]
"What things"? I asked confused.
[ Task 1 - Completely Destroy The Lu Family.
Task 2 - Raise The Three children Well.
Task 3 - Find Lin Xu a good husband ]
"What!?" I shouted taken aback. The other two are mo hassle for me but the last one, no way. I don't need a husband, why the hell must I have one?"
[Dear Host, Susu is aware of the host unusual hatred for Men but you have to accomplish the third task between one month unless you won't be able to inhabit Lin Xu's body. You have to be careful and remember — every choice has consequences.]
The last words sent a chill down my spine. Sigh! Now I had to find a man.. what an hassle.
[So! Let's get started. I've added some starter functions to your system panel: Inventory, Shop, Spoiler, Character Info, and Quests. You have no money yet, so SuSu suggests you start earning immediately. The richer you get, the stronger we become together!]
I stared at the floating tab, still in disbelief. "This is insane… but… maybe exactly what I need."
[Of course it is. Now go to sleep, Host. Tomorrow, we make money.]
I let out a long breath, blowing out the candle. My lips curved into a small, determined smile.
If the universe wouldn't give me a system before, fine. But now that I have one… I'll make sure I use it to the fullest.
And Aunt Lu? She's about to regret ever messing with me.